Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

at 28/05/2010 11:11

With World Cup fever gripping us and some forecasters promising a ‘barbecue summer’ Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service (CFRS) is appealing to people to enjoy themselves safely.

“Plans for World Cup parties and barbecues are well under way but we are urging people to have a safe and enjoyable experience, it's all too easy to be distracted when you have friends and family around you whilst cooking” said Crew Manager Dan Fitzpatrick from CFRS Prevention Team.

“Summer is a great time for entertaining and the last thing we want is it to all end up in disaster so we are trying to let people know that there are a few guidelines they can follow to protect themselves from injury.”

· Make sure your barbecue is in good working order and on a flat site, well away from a shed, trees or shrubs.

· Keep children, garden games and pets well away from the cooking area.

· Never light a barbecue inside or leave unattended.

· Keep a bucket of water or sand nearby for emergencies.

· Use only enough charcoal to cover the base to a depth of about 50mm.

· Only use recognised fire lighters or starter fuel and only on cold coals, use the minimum necessary and never use petrol.

· For gas barbecues it is important that you check the gas hose isn’t perished after sitting unused during the winter.

· Follow manufacturer’s instructions.

· Make sure the tap is turned off before changing the gas cylinder.

· Change cylinders outdoors if possible or in a well ventilated area.

· After cooking, turn off the gas cylinder before turning off at the controls to ensure any residual gas in the pipe work is used up.

· Never put hot ashes straight into a dustbin or wheelie bin - they could melt the plastic and cause a fire.

· Ensure the barbecue is cool before attempting to move it.

“We are constantly striving to make Cornwall safer and we want this summer to be remembered for all the right reasons” says Dan.

Related item: http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=7258